International Delegation Observes DRC Elections

30 October 2006

Kinshasa....A 45-member international Carter Center delegation led by former Prime Minister of Canada Joe Clark observed the Democratic Republic of the Congo's presidential runoff elections Oct. 29.  Carter Center Peace Programs Associate Executive Director John Stremlau was co-leader of the delegation.

The Carter Center began long-term election observation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April following an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and the welcome of all major political parties to observe the presidential and legislative elections.    A 58-member international delegation was deployed to observe the country's July 30, 2006, presidential and legislative elections. 

Members of the observation delegation to the October 29 elections, representing 14 countries, were deployed to all 10 DRC provinces and Kinshasa. The Center's observers conducted pre-election assessment in their deployment areas and witnessed poll openings, voting, closing, and counting on election day. The Center will continue its assessment throughout the tabulation of and announcement of results.